Worcester Business Journal

14 Worcester Business Journal | July 22, 2024 | wbjournal.com n Economic Impact Framingham State University's economic activities and their resulting multiplier effects are essential in creating a robust economic environment both within its local counties and across Massachusetts. FSU is more than an educational institution; it is a vital economic powerhouse that uplifts local communities by generating jobs and increasing economic output. n Return on Investment With a state investment of $55 million in FY23, Framingham State generated an economic output totaling $255.9 million in Worcester and Middlesex counties, and $284.4 million across Massachusetts overall. This return on investment highlights FSU's role as a critical economic engine within the region. n Employment and Educational Impact FSU employed 1,054 full and part-time faculty and staff (excluding student employees) and enrolled 4,028 full-time students during the fiscal year. The spending of the university, its employees and students helped to support 696 external jobs in Worcester and Middlesex counties, and 825 external jobs in Massachusetts. Source: MetroWest Economic Research Center F ramingham State University has a unique role to play in the future of the MetroWest Region, with its communities, businesses, and most importantly, its people. We were founded on the idea that everyone deserves access to an outstanding education, with our graduates going on to pursue work they love, serving the public good, and living inclusive, thriving lives in their communities. Now, more than ever, universities like FSU are anchor institutions in our communities; we are "stewards of place" and we are committed to working with those we serve to be a greater catalyst for the region's strength and vitality. We are reliable, powerful sources for economic and socio-cultural development; we are institutions that not going to pick up and move someplace else—we are committed to fostering our deep community roots. Building on our 185-year history and growing into the next century by harnessing our unique connections to our region, we offer clear and intentional economic and social value in the ways our region needs now. Our community is a place for people from across our Commonwealth and throughout New England, regardless of economic status, race, ethnicity, religion, or gender identity. More than 50% of our students are the first in their family to attend college. e City of Framingham is home to the largest Brazilian community outside of Brazil, and the MetroWest Region encompasses one of the Commonwealth's most robust populations of people who choose to join our country. Framingham State welcomes the opportunities to partner with everyone who is lives in our region, building something new and prosperous. As a singular source for the region, Framingham State University supports community vitality through continuing to democratize access to higher education. Our faculty embraces public action research, development, and community engagement. We offer ongoing and new degree development in areas such as business & marketing, pre-health professions, heritage languages, fashion design, and nutrition. rough our growing commitment to community development, we are committed to offering the majority of our students a paid internship or work experience so that they can begin their careers even before they graduate. And, we are developing ways to partner with our City and Region through housing capacity growth and regional business infrastructure Our exceptional educational opportunities are proudly, fiercely public. Accessible, affordable, and available to everyone. Framingham State University and its people embrace what New England communities have long understood: we need each other in order to thrive. Nancy S. Niemi, PhD President Framingham State University Proudly Public, Truly Transformative Special Sponsor Section

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